Alternative accommodation for residents at a former Southern Cross is being considered by Durham County Council.

The Langholm home in Bishop Auckland has space for 31 people but currently has only nine residents, six of whom get council funding.

Due to the design of the building and the low occupancy, it is felt that it is unlikely to attract a new operator.

A consultation into finding alternative accommodation is under way with residents and their families.

Southern Cross has agreed to continue running the home for the next eight to 10 weeks.

The authority said it was confident there were no more homes in the county in a similar situation.

Rachael Shimmin, Durham County Council's corporate director for adults, wellbeing and health, said: "By beginning the consultation process now we will be able to guarantee residents are fully supported throughout the process and the best transitional arrangements possible are in place.

"We are confident that suitable provision is available locally, and that we can successfully meet the needs of residents once assessments have been carried out."